NINJA GAIDEN 4 Review: Legacy Reborn with Razor-Sharp Combat

A Return Long in the Making

For years, fans wondered if Ninja Gaiden would ever make a comeback. The franchise that once defined high-speed melee combat had been dormant since Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge. Now, in 2025, NINJA GAIDEN 4 slashes its way back under the combined power of Team NINJA, PlatinumGames, and Koei Tecmo, published by Xbox Game Studios.

The result is a thrilling yet divisive reunion of two worlds: Team NINJA’s punishing precision and Platinum’s stylized spectacle. It’s fast, furious, and visually striking — but also sparks a deep conversation among long-time fans about what Ninja Gaiden should be.

Legacy Meets Experimentation

From the opening mission, NINJA GAIDEN 4 makes its mission clear — evolve or die. The game introduces Yakumo, a new generation ninja facing an ancient evil reborn in a futuristic, miasma-drenched Tokyo. His story collides with that of Ryu Hayabusa, the franchise’s legendary warrior, who now takes a supporting role until he’s unlocked post-campaign.

For newcomers, Yakumo offers a fresh start. His Bloodbind Ninjutsu transforms weapons in real time, letting players weave between fluid combos, parries, and cinematic executions. Veterans will recognize the iconic Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow, returning with flashier animations and heavier impact.

“The combat feels so good. It feels like a proper Ninja Gaiden game — fast, snappy, and responsive,” one reviewer wrote, echoing much of the positive sentiment on Steam.

With more than 1,250 user reviews and 89 percent positive ratings as of this writing, NINJA GAIDEN 4 is clearly resonating — though not without criticism.

A Partnership of Two Titans

The collaboration between PlatinumGames and Team NINJA is both the game’s greatest strength and its most controversial choice. Platinum brings cinematic flair and accessible combo chains, while Team NINJA ensures the punishment remains intact. The fusion works beautifully in motion — blades shimmer, sparks explode, and the frame-rate rarely stutters.

Combat is high-speed chess. Every move feels deliberate, rewarding those who study enemy behavior. Chain a perfect dodge into a counter, and the payoff is pure kinetic satisfaction. Yet some fans feel the Platinum influence softens the franchise’s trademark complexity.

“This would’ve been a great Metal Gear Rising sequel, not a Ninja Gaiden one,” one critical reviewer noted. “The depth of Ryu’s old weapon sets is gone.”

Indeed, some veterans lament the loss of directional input moves, a key element in earlier titles that allowed advanced control over each weapon. For them, this simplification feels like a compromise to court modern audiences.

The Feel of the Blade

Mechanically, NINJA GAIDEN 4 is outstanding. Combat is slick and tactile, with responsive hit detection and a deep parry system that rewards mastery. The developers clearly understood what made Ninja Gaiden 2 and Black special — the rhythm of attack, block, and retaliation — and modernized it without sacrificing tension.

Highlights from the community:

• “The best combat system in any action game I’ve ever played.”
• “Brutal, flashy, and deeply satisfying.”
• “Finally, a true successor that doesn’t hold your hand.”

Even those skeptical of Yakumo’s introduction admit the moment-to-moment gameplay feels incredible. His toolkit may differ from Ryu’s, but the flow remains unmistakably Ninja Gaiden: fast, unforgiving, and exhilarating.

However, critics point to repetitive arena design and limited environmental interactivity — invisible walls and simplified traversal leave some encounters feeling constrained compared to the sprawling, trap-filled stages of older titles.

Performance and Visual Fidelity

Built for modern hardware, NINJA GAIDEN 4 shines technically. On PC, even mid-range rigs report smooth 1080p / 60 FPS gameplay.

Minimum Specs:

• OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
• CPU: Intel i5-8400 / Ryzen 5 3400G
• GPU: GTX 1060 (6 GB) / RX 590 (8 GB)
• RAM: 16 GB
• Storage: 100 GB SSD

Recommended:

• CPU: i5-10400 / Ryzen 5 3600
• GPU: RTX 2060 Super / RX 5700XT
• Target: 1080p @ 60 FPS

Players praise its optimization, noting virtually no frame drops during heavy combat. The HUD, menus, and UI are slick and intuitive, while dynamic lighting gives each battlefield cinematic weight.

A Divided Storyline

Narratively, NINJA GAIDEN 4 walks a fine line between reinvention and betrayal. The story of Yakumo — a prodigy burdened by destiny — offers fresh stakes, but his ascension comes at the cost of sidelining Ryu Hayabusa.

“You don’t call a game Ninja Gaiden and make Ryu a side character,” one fan wrote. “Ryu Hayabusa is Ninja Gaiden.”

This sentiment repeats across dozens of reviews. While newcomers appreciate Yakumo’s emotional arc, veterans see it as a symbolic changing of the guard — and not necessarily a welcome one.

Yet, viewed independently, the narrative works. The near-future Tokyo setting blends myth and machinery effectively, and the haunting miasma-soaked streets carry a sense of menace reminiscent of Nioh 2. The cutscenes are stylish, and the voice acting strong, even if the dialogue sometimes veers into melodrama.

Sound and Atmosphere

The audio direction is among the game’s most universally praised aspects. The soundtrack — featuring composers rumored to have contributed to Devil May Cry 5 — fuels every fight with thundering percussion and electric guitars.

Each slash lands with metallic crunch, and the screams of dismembered enemies echo like a grim symphony. It’s violent, yes, but Ninja Gaiden has always thrived on excess — and here, it’s executed to perfection.

Community Pulse and Critical Consensus

As of publication, NINJA GAIDEN 4 holds an 83 Metacritic score (PC version) and a “Very Positive” Steam rating with over 1,250 reviews — 89 percent positive.

Players praise:

• Deep, rewarding combat loop
• Gorgeous visuals and fluid performance
• Respectful nods to classic moves
• A soundtrack that matches its intensity

Players criticize:

• Simplified combo structure compared to older titles
• Reduced role for Ryu Hayabusa
• Limited stage interactivity

Despite the split opinions, most agree the game achieves something remarkable: it feels alive again. After years of silence, the Ninja Gaiden name once more commands respect — even if it now speaks in a slightly different dialect.

A Tribute to Tomonobu Itagaki

The late Tomonobu Itagaki, creator of Ninja Gaiden’s modern era, is honored by both fans and developers throughout the game’s credits and community. Multiple player reviews pay tribute to his influence, reminding readers that without his vision, the series would never have reached such heights.

“Rest in Peace Tomonobu Itagaki-san. You revived this franchise one last time and gave us greatness.”

It’s a touching undercurrent — a passing of the torch between generations of developers and players alike.

Verdict: A Blade That Cuts Both Ways

NINJA GAIDEN 4 is a paradox — both a love letter and a rebellion. It captures the core thrill of the series’ combat while daring to reinterpret its identity. In doing so, it alienates some veterans but brings new players into the fold.

Where Ninja Gaiden 2 was about mechanical mastery, NINJA GAIDEN 4 is about momentum and spectacle. It’s less about remembering every input and more about feeling every slash. Whether that’s progress or dilution depends entirely on how you define Ninja Gaiden.

From a critical standpoint, this is one of the strongest action titles of 2025. The combat depth, technical polish, and intensity are top-tier, even if the design choices occasionally clash with the series’ roots.

Verdict: 8.5 / 10 — A fierce, beautiful revival that cuts deep, even when it stumbles.

FAQ — NINJA GAIDEN 4

Q: Who developed NINJA GAIDEN 4?
A: It was co-developed by PlatinumGames, Team NINJA, and Koei Tecmo, and published by Xbox Game Studios.

Q: Who is the main playable character?
A: Yakumo takes the lead, while Ryu Hayabusa becomes playable after completing the story.

Q: What is the Metacritic and Steam rating?
A: 83 on Metacritic and 89% positive from 1,250+ Steam reviews.

Q: What platforms is it available on?
A: PC (Steam), Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5.

Q: Is it as difficult as older games?
A: Yes, though optional difficulty settings make it more accessible to newcomers.

Final Thoughts

NINJA GAIDEN 4 may not please everyone, but it does what great revivals should — it reignites passion, conversation, and controversy. The blade is sharper, the enemies faster, and the spirit of Ninja Gaiden still burns beneath the steel.

For fans of Metal Gear Rising or Devil May Cry 5, this is a must-play. For purists, it’s a bittersweet evolution — one that cuts differently, but still cuts true.